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The director of the Christchurch Bishop’s Pastoral Office, Mike Stopforth, says he is “thrilled” to have the rebuild of St Mary’s Church in New Brighton, Christchurch completed, especially because it is the first parish church in the diocese to be rebuilt since the 2011 earthquakes.

The congregation had been meeting in a nearby community hall while the earthquake-damaged church was painstakingly rebuilt.

An opening ceremony for the newly-finished building drew a large crowd on Sunday.

Dozens of parishioners gathered in the car park ahead of Sunday’s service, which included speeches from the pastoral council, the building’s architect, Paul Foley, and Christchurch East MP Poto Williams.

The opening ceremony also served as the first formal event for the Christchurch’s newly-ordained bishop, Paul Martin.

A plaque commemorating the opening of the church was unveiled and blessed.

“The local community have worked very hard on the rebuild of the church. The new church is beautiful and will serve the community well for years to come,” said Stopforth.

He said there had been a “signification process around the design of the church and rebuild”.

With stark white walls and a large black cross marking the main entrance, the building looked very different compared to the orange brick exterior it had previously.

Within greater Christchurch, 11 diocese-owned churches, including St Mary’s in New Brighton, were demolished after the quakes. Seven others were severely damaged and unable to be used and, of those, five are yet to be repaired.

Analysis and Comment

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Comments

Jonathan GodfreyMore sloppy reporting on the fees-free policy...
Pity its opponents seem so set on ignoring that it applies to the entire tertiary sector, and means that those attending the Polytechs are getting a years free training instead of racking up the debt.
Another problem with the teacher's claims is that...

Bernadette AvisonWhen the priests, sing the Mass I cringe.
Sorry but I doubt that Jesus when consecrating his body and blood sang.
For me the priest when singing takes away something very precious and he becomes the main figure as in the lead actor in a stage performance.
The focus for me is the elevation "This...

KieranGood point Chris. I am in full support of what you say about such representation. Their voice needs to be heard in conjunction with those in the Church who are in positions to make changes and call to accountability.

DavidAs a lay person who, in the past, was asked to help deal with abuse within the church, because there were no protocols established, I can tell you I think Chris McLoughen has a valid point.
The church needs real reform to heal the abuse crisis. Catholics who have been spiritually hurt must have...